Great care will be needed if you intend to assemble a home-made smoke bomb. People who know about these things do not recommend that hobbyists and people casually interested in them should undertake to create their own bombs.

There are possibilities of mishaps happening in the process of mixing the ingredients of the smoke fireworks. With the more combustible components, these mishaps can be life-threatening. Besides, even when these explosive chemicals are in storage, they can be ignited by other chemicals, by friction or by sudden impact.

The only type of smoke pyrotechnics that can be created without much danger at home is the one consisting of potassium nitrate and sugar.

What goes into the nitrate bomb

The first ingredient you will need is the potassium nitrate (KNO3) itself. When combined with sugar and ignited, saltpeter sustains a combustion reaction with sugar. Water vapor and potassium carbonate are produced and emitted.

You also have to have some table sugar or sucrose. If you use brown table sugar, more smoke will be produced.

Some people prefer not to use dry powder to detonate their smoke bombs unless these powders are ready-made. That is because, the nitrate and the sugar have to be ground to a fine consistency. They then have to be thoroughly strained so that the mix has a homogenous consistency. Repeated straining can heat up the nitrate so that it bursts into flame while you are sill preparing the bomb.

In order not to expose themselves to the possibility of igniting the powder while preparing the bomb, people prefer to grind them in separate mortars and mix them with a small amount of water, stirring carefully unit the texture of the substance approximates that of yoghurt. Water will have to be added carefully.

Once the paste can stand, it is molded into lumps and allowed to stand for a day or two. It will eventually dry up and become like clay. At that point, the bomb is ready for use.

Regulating the combustion and producing colored smoke

To slow down the process of combustion and prolong the life of the bomb, a little sodium bicarbonate is added to the mix. This makes it possible for the bomb to emit smoke for a longer period of time.

Among the best dyes to use for coloring your smoke are tints of blue and orange. Aniline-based dyes are also effective for smoke bombs. In particular para-aniline-red is an impressive color.

Everything is easier with smoke bomb kits

Getting your hands on a smoke bomb kit is the most advisable thing for you if you are just getting started with them. There is too much risk involved in making them at home and by yourself. These kits come complete with materials and instructions for use and they offer a wide range of beautiful colors to choose from.

Even at $50 or less a piece, they are worth all your money because of the fact that if you follow instructions, they are perfectly safe to use.

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Author Bio: Jameson Daniels is a writer for skylighter.com check out his colored smoke or his potassium chlorate or his how to make black powder.

Category: Education
Keywords: colored smoke, smoke bomb, potassium chlorate